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"Below the Surface: How Baker Hughes is Drilling the 24/7 Clean Energy Solution"

Below the Surface: How Baker Hughes is Drilling the 24/7 Clean Energy Solution By: Robert Buluma   The geothermal era has arrived — and   Baker Hughes is holding the drill. While much of the energy world remains fixated on LNG exports and offshore wind, a quieter revolution is taking place beneath our feet. Baker Hughes (BKR) , the Houston-based energy technology giant, has assembled what may be the most comprehensive geothermal partnership network in the industry — positioning itself as the go-to industrial executor for next-generation geothermal power. In 2026 alone, the company has locked in strategic collaborations spanning three continents, from the deserts of Saudi Arabia to the outback of Australia and the high-heat basins of the American West. The common thread? Baker Hughes is applying a century of oil and gas drilling expertise to unlock geothermal energy at industrial scale — and the data center boom is providing the perfect market catalyst. The Strategy: "G...
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Geo Dipa Launches Open Tender: Rig Bundling Services Now Available for Jailolo Geothermal Exploration

PT Geo Dipa Energi (Persero) has recently announced an open tender for Rig Bundling Services specifically for the Jailolo geothermal exploration project in West Halmahera, North Maluku, Indonesia. 

This procurement marks a significant step forward in advancing geothermal energy development in one of Indonesia's promising frontier areas.

The tender, referenced under announcement number 008.PLL/PST.PBJ-GDE/III/2026 (or similar variations noted in related documents), invites qualified contractors to provide integrated drilling services. The scope involves drilling two exploration wells in the Jailolo Geothermal Working Area (WKP Jailolo) using a 1000-1500 HP rig, bundled with essential supporting services. These include mud logging, H2S safety monitoring, water supply transfer systems, tubular/OCTG inspection, casing running, drill bits, drilling cuttings and waste management, and fuel supply. This bundled approach streamlines operations, reduces risks, and optimizes costs for the state-owned enterprise.

Key Tender Timeline and Process
According to the announcement shared by Budi Abid Kristianto, Head of Exploration Resource & Drilling Project at PT Geo Dipa Energi:

-Registration and Collection of Work Plan and Requirements (RKS): February 13, 2026 – February 15, 2026 (10:00 – 15:00 WIT – note: Western Indonesian Time, but adjusted for local context in announcements).
- Clarification Meeting (Rapat Penjelasan): February 19, 2026, from 10:00 – 12:00.
- Site Visit: February 23 – February 25, 2026.
- Bid Submission Deadline: March 12, 2026.

Interested parties must register by emailing procurement@geodipa.co.id and procurement.emu@geodipa.co.id, submitting a letter of intent along with required documents such as a scanned KTP (ID card), power of attorney (if applicable) with a Rp 10,000,000 material stamp duty from the company head, and proof of transfer for the RKS fee of Rp 3,000,000 (three million Rupiah). The bid guarantee or related security is tied to this amount in some references.

The process follows standard procurement guidelines, likely aligned with World Bank-funded frameworks under the Geothermal Energy Upstream Development Project (GEUDP), given prior early market engagement (EME) events in January 2026 and references to World Bank documents.

The tender is non-mandatory for clarification but emphasizes timely registration to access full RKS details available at the company's office or via email. Questions can be directed to the same procurement emails.

Background on the Jailolo Geothermal Project

Jailolo, located on Halmahera Island in North Maluku Province, represents a greenfield geothermal prospect with estimated potential in the range of 10-60 MW, though exact figures depend on successful exploration outcomes. The area is part of Indonesia's broader push to expand geothermal capacity in eastern regions, where infrastructure challenges and remoteness have historically slowed development.

PT Geo Dipa Energi (Persero), a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Finance and Energy sectors, manages this as part of government-assigned exploration. The company already operates established fields like Dieng and Patuha in Java (each with 60 MW units, plus ongoing expansions), but Jailolo is a strategic extension into frontier zones. Supported by initiatives like the GEUDP (with World Bank involvement), the project includes risk mitigation for exploration drilling to de-risk prospects before full commercialization.

Prior activities include civil and infrastructure tenders (e.g., well pads, access roads, water supply) in 2024, environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA completed around 2025), and indigenous peoples plans to address community impacts. An early market engagement for rig services occurred in January 2026, indicating active preparation for drilling.

Exploration drilling is high-risk and costly, but government programs like this provide "government drilling" to prove resources, attracting private developers later for power plant construction.

Why This Tender Matters for Geothermal in Indonesia

Indonesia holds the world's largest geothermal reserves (estimated 29 GW potential), yet utilization remains below 10%. Challenges include high upfront costs, regulatory hurdles, and exploration risks. Bundled rig services reduce fragmentation, improve efficiency, and ensure safety in H2S-prone environments.

This tender aligns with national targets for renewable energy, including 23% renewables by 2025 (extended goals to 2060). Successful Jailolo wells could unlock a new field, contribute to eastern Indonesia's energy security, reduce diesel reliance in remote areas, and support net-zero ambitions.

For contractors, this is an opportunity to engage in a World Bank-aligned, transparent procurement with potential for future expansions. Geo Dipa's track record in Dieng/Patuha demonstrates reliable project execution.

Opportunities and Next Steps

Companies with geothermal drilling expertise, especially in bundled services for remote/high-risk sites, should act quickly. Prepare documentation, arrange site visits (logistically challenging in Halmahera), and ensure compliance with environmental/social safeguards.

The announcement encourages sharing within professional networks,geothermal exploration relies on collaboration.

For the latest details, visit www.geodipa.co.id or contact procurement directly. As Indonesia accelerates geothermal, projects like Jailolo exemplify commitment to sustainable energy transition.

Source: Geodipa

This development highlights PT Geo Dipa Energi's proactive role in unlocking Indonesia's geothermal future—one well at a time. Stay tuned for updates on bid awards and drilling progress! 
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